Name of the Procedure:

Alcohol and/or Substance (Other Than Tobacco) Abuse Structured Assessment and Brief Intervention (G2011)

Summary

This procedure involves a structured assessment and a brief intervention for individuals who may have issues with alcohol or substance abuse (excluding tobacco). The intervention is typically 5-14 minutes long and aims to identify individuals at risk and provide them with initial counseling or guidance.

Purpose

The procedure is designed to address early signs of alcohol or substance abuse. The goal is to identify at-risk individuals, provide an initial assessment, and offer brief intervention to guide them toward healthier habits or further treatment if necessary.

Indications

• Displays signs of potential alcohol or substance abuse
• Reports difficulties managing alcohol or substance use
• Exhibits behavioral changes suggestive of substance misuse
• Patients at routine check-ups where screening for substance abuse is appropriate

Preparation

• No specific pre-procedure instructions such as fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• Patients may be asked to complete preliminary screening questionnaires such as the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) or DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test).

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: The healthcare provider uses structured tools (e.g., AUDIT, DAST) to evaluate the extent of the patient’s alcohol or substance use and its impact on their health.
2. Brief Intervention: The provider engages the patient in a short discussion about their substance use, offering feedback, advice, and potential resources for further support or treatment.

Tools and Equipment: Paper or digital versions of the AUDIT/DAST screening tools, and any other relevant questionnaires.

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

The structured assessment and brief intervention typically take about 5-14 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a primary care clinic, outpatient clinic, or during a routine check-up with a healthcare provider.

Personnel

• Primary care physicians
• Nurses
• Counselors or therapists trained in brief interventions

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Generally, there are minimal risks involved; patients might feel discomfort disclosing personal information.
• Rare Risks: Emotional distress could potentially be triggered during the conversation; however, medical professionals are trained to handle such situations and provide appropriate support.

Benefits

• Early identification of alcohol or substance abuse issues
• Immediate feedback and guidance can lead to reduced substance use
• Encouragement to seek further help, potentially preventing more serious health issues

Recovery

• No physical recovery needed, as it’s a non-invasive procedure.
• Patients may receive follow-up appointments or referrals for extended treatment options if needed.

Alternatives

• Longer counseling sessions with a psychologist or addiction specialist
• Enrollment in a structured substance abuse treatment program
• Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Pros and Cons:

• Longer Sessions: More in-depth but takes more time and resources.
• Support Groups: Offers peer support but may not be as personalized as professional counseling.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients may feel slightly uneasy discussing their substance use but should also feel supported and listened to.
• After the Procedure: Patients may feel relieved or motivated to make changes; any emotional discomfort typically subsides, with follow-up care available for ongoing support.

Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Emotional support and reassurance from healthcare providers are critical to ensuring patient comfort during the intervention.